In it, Kennedy articulates a fact that remains true: “Our citizens are living longer. We want them to participate fully in that longer life. But they can only do so if they give some of their time and some of their effort to maintaining that vitality.”

Kennedy’s words are introduced by iconic comedian Bob Hope and accompanied by black-and-white footage of energetic girls in gym bloomers and guys doing push-ups in those little tight shorts. As GQ columnist Bill Bradley notes, we’re seeing “his vision for an America where everybody lines up in formation to do jumping jacks.”

Kennedy doesn’t appear in the film, but to see him speak on fitness to a dinner audience — go to bit.ly/JFKfit. There he says, with vigah, that he hopes to “literally change the physical habits of millions of Americans, and that is far more difficult than changing their taste, their fashion or even their politics.”